FCC authorizes Reflect Orbital's Eärendil-1 demonstration satellite

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   Astronomy ·Jul 22, 2026

   FCC approves Reflect Orbital filing for mirror in space

   The Federal Communications Commission approved Reflect Orbital's application on July 9, 2026, allowing the company to deploy and operate its Eärendil-1 demonstration satellite. The spacecraft will carry an approximately 18-by-18-meter reflective surface designed to redirect sunlight onto targeted areas on Earth at night. The authorization followed objections from astronomers and dark-sky organizations concerned about light pollution, interference with observations and safety.

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   WIRED ·Jul 14, 2026

   The US Approves Launch of Mirror Satellite That Can Reflect Sunlight and Illuminate the Earth at Night

   WIRED examined the FCC's authorization of Reflect Orbital's Eärendil-1 satellite, which will deploy an 18-meter reflective surface in low Earth orbit. The satellite is designed to illuminate targeted areas on Earth at night and could cover an area approximately 5 to 6 kilometers in diameter. The article also detailed objections from astronomers and environmental organizations concerned about the potential consequences of reflected sunlight and future constellation expansion.

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   Via Satellite ·Jul 10, 2026

   FCC Approves Reflect Orbital Demo Satellite to Test Redirecting Sunlight

   Via Satellite reported that the FCC had approved Reflect Orbital's Eärendil-1 demonstration satellite on July 9. The satellite will test a deployable thin-film reflector intended to direct sunlight toward specific locations on Earth. The article covered the nearly 2,000 public comments submitted during the licensing process, including objections from astronomy, environmental and aviation stakeholders.

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